Behind the Scenes: Where Magic, Hard Work and 

Creativity Are Being Real.

When viewing a movie, a music video, a viral clip, or a well-shot ad, we usually marvel at the finished product the refined image, the feelings, the acting, the narration. However, there is a world behind any masterpiece that the majority of the people are not aware of. This hidden world is referred to as the Backstage (BTS) and that is where the magic occurs. It is a place of planning, creativity, problem solving, teamwork, pressure and hours of dedication innumerable.

Being behind the scenes is not a destination, it is an adventure. It shows the ugliness of the perfection, the sweat of the smiles, and the constant work behind every several minutes of the content. BTS is instrumental in the final product regardless of whether one is creating a film, taking photos, organizing an event, producing music, or creating content on social media.

The Birth of an Idea – Where Creativity Takes Shape

1. The Birth of an Idea

Any great project is initiated by an idea. However, in the background, such a thought is subject to many debates, modifications, and brainstorming before it is actualized. Framing of the concept, discussion of the message, and planning of the execution occur as writers, directors, creators or brand teams are sitting together.

• This phase involves:

• Storyboarding

• Scriptwriting

• Planning scenes

• Visualizing shots

• Choosing the aesthetic or the theme.

• Budgeting and time management.

This initial phase may be the most difficult given that everything is abstract. Yet it is the most inventive too, due to the fact that no boundaries exist as far as imagination is concerned.

2. Preparation & Pre-Production

The groundwork is only started upon when the idea is locked. This is with transforming imagination into an organized plan. The pre-production is the corner stone of any project. It makes sure that by the time the camera begins rolling it is all in readiness.

This phase includes:

• Location selection

• Hiring actors or performers.

• Arranging equipment

• Hiring crew

• Costume trials

• Rehearsals

• Schedules and shot lists

There are thousands of people out of the spotlight, working to ensure that even the minutest of details are attended to. The majority of the viewers do not know the extent to which planning is done prior to even the camera being set on one shot.

3. The Real Battle: Shooting Day

The shoot day is the time when the behind-the-scenes are the most tense. What is on our screens as a flowing image is usually the result of numerous re-takes, technical tweaked images, and relentless coordination.

The power is elevated on shooting day. Directors issue commands, actors practice their speeches, make-up artists touch each point, and camera-men refocus on the shooting to perfection. At the backdrop, the production managers inspect schedules, assistants are busy with props, and light technicians provide the required atmosphere.

One shot of 10 seconds may take hours to get a perfect shot. The weather, technical problems, script alterations at the last moment, anything may occur. However, the behind-the-scenes crew is in charge of making sure everything is in check such that the end result appears to be nonchalant.

4. The Emotional Side of BTS

In the backdrop of all successful projects, there can be stressful moments, moments of laughter, moments of frustration, teamwork and little wins. As viewers merely view the refined act, the truth of BTS is the emotional one.

• There are:

• The situations when the team is under pressure.

• Periods of something being wrong.

• The excitement when a great shot has been made.

• Joking at the breaks.

Discussions to motivate during trying times.

These feelings do not reflect in the actual text, yet they influence the whole experience. It is here, behind the scenes, that one forms real bonds and develops more creativity.

5. Post-Production: The Place where Everything comes together.

After the shooting is over, people feel that work is over. However, the truth is that the trip is not finished yet. It is at the stage of post-production that the shaggy puzzle turns into a masterpiece.

• It includes:

• Editing

• Sound design

• Color grading

• Music selection

• Voice-overs

• Visual effects

• Final polishing

The work of the editors takes hours in selecting the best shots, correcting the errors, or improving the images. Sound engineers also use background music and effects to ensure that the appropriate mood is achieved. This is a very creative phase which is not technical that creates soul to the whole project.

6. The Unrecognized Personages behind any Project

.The team of people behind every successful piece of content hardly comes into the limelight of the camera. They are not the ones who are applauded and without them, there would be nothing.

• They include:

• Editors

• Scriptwriters

• Light technicians

• Assistant directors

• Sound engineers

• Cameramen

• Makeup & costume teams

• Set designers

• Production managers

• They are the actual heroes who make vision